Introduction to Epidemiology (Understanding Public Health)

"Well structured, to the point and well documented with great exercises. This is a remarkable book on basic epidemiology, based on many years of experience and designed primarily for self-learning students. It will also appeal to all those wanting a quick and well structured introduction to epidemiology, with a wealth of classical and more recent examples."
Professor Christian Lengeler (MSc, PhD), Head of Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland

This popular book introduces the principles, methods and application of epidemiology for improving health and survival. The book assists readers in applying basic epidemiological methods to measure health outcomes, identifying risk factors for a negative outcome, and evaluating health interventions and health services.

The book also helps to distinguish between strong and poor epidemiological evidence; an ability that is fundamental to promoting evidence-based health care.

This new edition has been carefully developed and includes:

• A writing style and structure that helps the flow of learning
• A broad range of examples and activities covering a range of contemporary health issues including obesity, mental health and cervical cancer
• Additional focus on developing countries
• Updated and additional exercises for self-testing
• A new chapter on study design
• A new section on the application of epidemiology for monitoring and evaluation of health programmes

Introduction to Epidemiology is an ideal self-directed learning resource for students studying epidemiology and all those who work in health-related areas, including health economists, health policy analysts, and health services managers.

Series Editors: Rosalind Plowman and Nicki Thorogood.

Ilona Carneiro is a lecturer in infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). She is a malaria researcher with substantial experience in teaching, developing and organising epidemiology courses.

Natasha Howard is a research fellow at LSHTM. She is a researcher on health in conflict-affected settings and an experienced distance learning course developer, organiser and teacher.